Best Thomas & Friends Railroad Sets | Complete Guide
Thomas & Friends might be the most popular train around. He was even referenced recently in the newest movie, “Bullet Train” with Brad Pitt. Although he has been around for years, he desperately needed a refresh. I was super excited to see his makeover. In this article, I created my Best Thomas & Friends Railroad Sets into a complete guide that is new for 2023. The new Thomas & Friends wooden railroad sets have never gone back to using universal-style wooden tracks! In the past few years, this was a huge complaint among buyers of the train line. Thomas originally had universal ways that connected to other brands. Then a few years ago, they decided to design their style of wooden track that was incompatible with all others. This meant you had to use an adapter that the Fisher-Price sold to connect to any other brand of wooden train tracks.
Brief Thomas History
The history of Thomas the Train is a fascinating story that dates back to the early 1940s. The character was created by the Reverend W. Awdry, a British clergyman and railway enthusiast who wrote a series of books about a group of anthropomorphic trains that lived on the Island of Sodor. The first book, “The Three Railway Engines,” was published in 1945 and introduced the world to the character of Thomas the Tank Engine.
Over the years, the Thomas the Tank Engine franchise has grown into a global phenomenon, beloved by children and adults alike. In addition to the original book series, which expanded to 26 titles, the franchise has spawned numerous adaptations, including TV shows, movies, and video games. The TV show debuted in the 1980s and has been particularly successful, airing in over 160 countries and inspiring a generation of young viewers.
Why so popular?
One of the things that makes Thomas the Train so enduringly popular is its universal appeal. The franchise has something for everyone, from its colorful and engaging characters to its positive messages about friendship, cooperation, and problem-solving. It has also inspired a passionate community of fans, who gather at events like the annual Thomas the Tank Engine convention and share their love of the franchise online. All in all, the history of Thomas the Train is vibrant, filled with creativity, innovation, and a deep appreciation for the joys of rail travel.
In 2023, Fisher-Price has made more of a build-your-own train system with locations, tracks, and engines mostly sold separately. They seem to have done away with their mid-sized train sets and are focusing on areas such as Tidmouth Sheds, Cranky at the Brendam Docks, and a much better-updated version of Knapford Station. Tidmouth Sheds now includes a track, more working fun parts, and more modern updated coloring. Cranky at the Brenham Dock is much larger, with more working parts and an enormous barge. Also, the new Thomas & Friends line is now made in Indonesia instead of China, which is a definite plus. I wrote an enlightening article on “If Toys Made in China Are Safe.” New Engines in plastic-free recycled packaging. The new engines are made with sustainable beechwood, with plastic-free packaging made from FSC-certified sustainable materials.
Made from sustainably sourced beech wood Fisher-Price produces its wooden sets and components for a complete railway system based on the Thomas characters.
Thomas’s sets and components are wooded with solid construction. The plastic parts are durable. Also, Fisher-Price is now using FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council-Certified ) sustainable wood/paper with its packaging and toys. They are now more eco-friendly by packaging with less plastic and responsibly harvesting sustainable beechwood for their toys. Fisher-Price has never been a sustainable company, but they are working towards something with this wooden Thomas line and its new packaging. This article will focus on the new Thomas & Friends Wooden Railroad Sets broken down by Destination PlaySets, Train Track Sets, and Train Car Sets. To see more special trains, see my Top 8 Wooden Train Sets!
Best Thomas & Friends Railroad Sets
1. Thomas and Friends Destination Playsets:
Thomas and Friends Destination Playsets offers young train lovers the chance to create their adventures with their favorite characters. These playsets are designed to replicate locations from the show, such as Tidmouth Sheds, Knapford Station, and Sodor Engine Works. They come with interactive features like moving turntables, cranes, and lights and sounds to provide hours of imaginative play. Children can collect them with different sizes and themes and build their own Sodor Island world. Whether they want to recreate scenes from the show or develop their own stories, Thomas and Friends Destination Playsets will surely delight young conductors.
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Tidmouth Sheds
The all-new Tidmouth Sheds from the Thomas & Friends series is designed with better-working parts and more interactive activities, making it an exciting addition to the Wooden Railway collection. Here are some of the features and benefits of this playset:
- Engine bay lift launch and train wash bay: The Tidmouth Sheds now include an engine bay lift launch and train wash bay, providing young conductors with new ways to play and care for their engines.
- More accessible turntable knob: The turntable on the Tidmouth Sheds now features a more accessible knob, making it easier for children to rotate and send their engines on their way.
- The wooden track included: This playset has a rigid way, so children can start playing and imagining immediately.
- Sustainable materials: The Tidmouth Sheds are made from sustainably sourced beech wood, ensuring that memories can be made while environmentally friendly.
- Multiple play areas: With five engine bays and five work hubs, children can play and imagine different scenarios with their engines.
This double-sided Tidmouth Sheds playset offers a complete loop of track and comes with one Percy engine and four Clackety Track adapters, which can connect to any Thomas & Friends wood track. Children can bring their favorite scenes from the show to life and create their adventures. With the Wooden Railway Tidmouth Sheds Starter Train Set, little engineers can lend a helping hand to get Percy cleaned up and refreshed for another great day of delivering mail and exploring the island of Sodor!
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, Knapford Station Passenger Pickup Playset
The Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Knapford Station Passenger Pickup Playset has received a fantastic upgrade from its previous model. The new version offers an incredible play value that’s worth its cost. Made from sustainably sourced beech wood, this playset replicates the Knapford Station from the popular Thomas & Friends show and features interactive elements to keep your child engaged. The two floors provide ample space for passengers and baggage, while the working baggage ramp, crossing gates, and elevator add to the play value.
The Knapford Station playset also includes specialty track pieces that connect to most wooden railway systems, providing additional play opportunities. The set comes with four Clackety Track adapters that enable you to secure any Thomas & Friends wood track and expand your child’s play options. With Annie and Clarabel’s passenger cars, kids can recreate favorite scenes from the show and bring their favorite engines to Knapford Station.
With this playset, young conductors can enjoy exploring one of their favorite Thomas & Friends show locations. The first floor allows kids to help passengers board the coaches and control train traffic with working crossing gates. The working elevator makes it easy to transport passengers traveling from either level and lift and drop cargo down the chute. With so much to do around the bustling station, young conductors will have their train schedules full of fun!
Key features of the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Knapford Station Passenger Pickup Playset include:
- Two floors for passenger boarding and baggage loading/unloading play, plus working elevator and baggage claim, working crossing gates, and Annie & Clarabel passenger cars
- Made from sustainably sourced beech wood for memories that last
- Includes four Clackety Track adapters to connect to most wooden railway systems
- Connect any Thomas & Friends wood track to expand play options (track sets are sold separately and subject to availability)
In conclusion, the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Knapford Station Passenger Pickup Playset is an excellent upgrade from the previous model. Its interactive features and specialty track pieces make it worth the higher cost. This eco-friendly playset provides young conductors hours of fun and imaginative play as they recreate their favorite scenes from the show and explore the bustling Knapford Station.
Thomas & Friends Fisher-Price Wooden Railway Brendam Docks Wood playset
The Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Brendam Docks Playset has undergone a significant upgrade, making it even more exciting and fun for young conductors. Made from sustainably sourced wood, this playset features a large Bulstrode the Barge, a working Cranky the Crane with an attachable claw and an engine cradle, and cargo pieces for lots of lifting and loading action. With three adapters included, kids can connect any Thomas & Friends wood track to expand the play. The improved Crane is now easier to turn, and the larger barge boat and cargo loading way add more interactive elements to the playset.
Here’s a breakdown of the features that make this playset a must-have for any Thomas & Friends fan:
- They are made from sustainably sourced beech wood for eco-friendliness and long-lasting memories.
- Cranky the Crane has an attachable claw and engine cradle for easy lifting and loading cargo pieces from Bulstrode the Barge.
- Includes three adapters to connect any Thomas & Friends wood track for expanded play.
- The larger barge boat and cargo loading track add more interactive elements to the playset.
- Young conductors can recreate their favorite Brendam Docks moments using their favorite Thomas & Friends engines on the side-by-side Clackety Track base.
Get ready for hours of lift and load fun at the docks with the all-new and improved Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Brendam Docks Playset!
2. Thomas and Friends Train Track Sets:
Thomas and Friends Train Track Sets are a perfect way to expand your child’s train collection and create exciting new adventures on the railway. These sets come with various track pieces, including straight and curved segments, switches, and intersections, allowing kids to customize and design layouts. With multiple accessories such as bridges, tunnels, and stations, the possibilities for imaginative play are endless. Whether your child is just starting their Thomas and Friends collection or looking to expand an existing one, a train track set is an excellent addition to any young engineer’s collection.
Thomas & Friends Fisher-Price Wooden Railway, Expansion Clackety Track Train Track Pack
The Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Expansion Clackety Track Pack is a fantastic addition to any young train lover’s collection. With 22 Clackety Track pieces, including switch tracks, track buffers, straight and curved track pieces, and adapters, kids can expand their wooden railway world and create new and exciting adventures for their favorite engines. The best part is that the new tracks have universal connections, now compatible with most other wooden railroad brands.
Little engineers can build even more elaborate tracks and connect them to other brands’ channels. The Clackety Track pieces also make satisfying sounds when engines roll along, adding excitement to playtime. This expansion pack is compatible with Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway train sets, expansion packs, track packs, accessory packs, and wood engines, which are sold separately and subject to availability. Overall, this track expansion pack is an excellent investment for expanding your child’s wooden railway collection and encouraging creativity and imagination.
Features:
- 22 Clackety Track pieces for satisfying sounds when engines roll along
- Compatible with Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway train sets, expansion packs, track packs, accessory packs, and wood engines
- It has switch tracks, track buffers, straight and curved track pieces, and adapters for building a complete track loop.
- It helps kids develop gross motor, sensory, reasoning, and discovery skills.
- Lets young train lovers grow their Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway world for even more railway play
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Figure 8 Track Set
The Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Figure 8 Track Set is an ideal starter set for young Thomas fans who want a Thomas engine and track. It includes 24 pieces of track and a cargo loader where kids can load and unload cargo into Thomas’s cargo car. The set has two adapters for the expanded play to connect to any Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway set.
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- Includes a 24-piece figure-8 track set with Thomas, a cargo car, depot stand, cargo cube, and tile play piece.
- Features 16 Clackety Track pieces, including 12 curved and four straight segments.
- Kids can load and unload a pipe and lumber play piece from the cargo loader into Thomas’s cargo car for delivery.
- It has two adapters to connect to any Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway set for the expanded play.
- Ideal for young conductors who want to recreate delivery fun from the show.
- It can be combined with other Thomas locations for more enjoyable playtime.
3. Thomas & Friends Train Sets:
Thomas & Friends train sets are the perfect way to bring the magical world of Sodor to life in your own home. Whether you are a young train enthusiast or a seasoned collector, these train sets offer a wide range of options for endless fun and imaginative play. From the classic wooden railway sets to the motorized trains, there is something for everyone in the Thomas & Friends train sets collection. With high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, these train sets will delight fans of all ages and create lasting memories for years.
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, James Engine, and Coal Car
The James Engine and Coal Car is a classic Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway toy set that can inspire young conductors to imagine endless railway adventures. James is a bright red engine with a matching coal car. The group is made from sustainably sourced wood and is compatible with any Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway set or track pack. Kids can connect James and his coal car to any engine, cargo car, or passenger car and roll him along any Clackety Track piece for lots of railway fun. This set is a perfect addition to any Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway collection, and it’s sold separately and subject to availability.
Features:
- Includes a red James Engine and matching coal car made from sustainably sourced wood
- Compatible with any Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway set or track pack
- Provides endless imaginative railway play for young conductors
- Easy to connect and roll along any Clackety Track piece
- A perfect addition to any Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway collection
Thomas & Friends Fisher-Price Wooden Railway Emily Engine and Coal Car
The Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Emily Engine and Coal Car set features the bright green engine with her signature tender, loaded with coal. This beautifully crafted wooden toy train set is designed to be compatible with other Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway trains, track sets, and destinations. Kids can add Emily to their existing train sets or enjoy her independently for imaginative play. The collection includes an Emily engine and a coal car with a removable coal cargo piece, allowing little engineers to load and unload the coal while recreating their favorite Sodor stories. This Emily Engine and Coal Car set will make an excellent addition to any young Thomas fan’s collection, providing hours of creative play and fun on the rails.
Features:
- The Thomas & Friends Fisher-Price Wooden Railway Emily Engine and Coal Car is a train set designed for children aged two years and up.
- The set includes a wooden engine and a coal car decorated with Emily’s signature light green and dark green color scheme.
- Emily’s coal car features a removable coal load that can quickly be removed and loaded back on.
- The train is compatible with other Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway sets, expansion packs, track packs, accessory packs, and wood engines, sold separately and subject to availability.
- The set is crafted from sustainably sourced wood and features high-quality, realistic details that will inspire imaginative play in young train enthusiasts.
- Emily is a popular character from the Thomas & Friends television show, known for her friendly personality and can-do attitude.
- Kids can create their railway adventures with Emily and her coal car, whether playing alone or with friends.
Thomas & Friends Wood Kenji push-along train engine
The Thomas & Friends Wood Kenji push-along train engine is a colorful and playful addition to any child’s toy train collection.
- Features a bright orange and blue color scheme with fun Japanese-inspired designs
- Made with sustainably sourced wood and child-safe materials
- Designed for little hands to grasp and push along any wooden railway tracks
- Compatible with all Thomas & Friends Wood tracks and sets for expanded play
- Encourages imaginative play and helps develop gross motor skills
With its cheerful and eye-catching design, the Kenji push-along train engine will delight children and spark their imaginations as they create exciting train adventures. The machine is made with high-quality, sustainably sourced wood and features child-safe materials, ensuring that parents feel good about their child’s playtime. Designed to be easy for little hands to grasp and push along any wooden railway tracks, this engine is the perfect addition to any Thomas & Friends Wood collection. And with compatibility with all Thomas & Friends Wood tracks and sets, the fun can be expanded even further. This toy provides endless imaginative play and helps develop gross motor skills as children push the engine along the tracks.
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Henry Engine and Coal Car
The Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Henry Engine and Coal Car set includes:
- A wooden Henry engine with realistic details and a shiny finish
- A coal car that can be attached to the machine with a magnet
- Compatible with any Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway track and train set
- Encourages imaginative play and helps develop fine motor skills
- Made from high-quality, sustainable materials
Little engineers can add the iconic Henry to their Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway collection with this set. The wooden Henry engine will surely delight young train lovers with its realistic details and shiny finish. The coal car can be easily attached to the machine with a magnet, allowing kids to imagine fun delivery adventures.
As part of the Wooden Railway line, this Henry engine is compatible with any Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway track and train set, making it a versatile addition to any young conductor’s collection. Playing with trains and tracks encourages imaginative play and helps develop fine motor skills. Plus, parents can feel good about purchasing a toy made from high-quality, sustainable materials.
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Hiro Engine and Coal Car
The Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Hiro Engine and Coal Car is an excellent addition to any Thomas & Friends collection. This wooden engine features a magnetic connector that easily connects to other Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway train cars and vehicles.
Here are some key features of the Hiro Engine and Coal Car:
- Wooden engine and coal car based on the character Hiro from the Thomas & Friends TV show.
- It is made with natural wood and non-toxic paint for safe and durable playtime.
- Magnetic connectors allow Hiro to easily connect to other Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway train cars and vehicles.
- Perfect for little train lovers and collectors of all ages.
- Compatible with other Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway sets, expansion packs, track packs, and accessory packs (each sold separately).
- It helps encourage creativity, imagination, and fine motor skills in children.
Overall, the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Hiro Engine and Coal Car is a high-quality and fun toy that will bring joy to any Thomas & Friends fan or collector.
Thomas & Friends Fisher-Price Wooden Railway, Diesel Engine
The Fisher-Price Wooden Railway Diesel Engine is a sturdy and durable toy that can provide hours of imaginative play for young children. Based on the famous character from the Thomas & Friends television series, this engine features a realistic design made from high-quality materials built to last. With its easy-to-use magnetic connectors, the Diesel Engine can be easily linked to other Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway train sets, expansion packs, and accessory packs, allowing children to create their railway adventures.
- Realistic design based on the popular character from the Thomas & Friends television series
- Made from high-quality materials for durability
- Easy-to-use magnetic connectors for linking up to other Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway train sets, expansion packs, and accessory packs
- Compatible with most other wooden railway brands
- Provides hours of imaginative play for young children.
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, Thomas Engine
The Thomas Engine is the beloved blue No. 1 engine that started it all in the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway collection. This classic engine is perfect for little conductors who love to play and imagine exciting adventures on the Island of Sodor. Fisher-Price crafts the Thomas Engine from natural wood and adorns it with vibrant, cheerful colors. It’s compatible with other Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway sets, tracks, and accessories, so children can expand their wooden railway world and create endless possibilities for imaginative play.
- Classic blue No.1 engine made from natural wood
- Compatible with other Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway sets, tracks, and accessories
- Perfect for little conductors who love imaginative play
- It helps children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Encourages creativity and storytelling skills as children invent exciting adventures for Thomas and his friends on the Island of Sodor
Bonus: Make it a “Thomas” Party!
In addition to my Best Thomas & Friends Railroad Sets, Thomas, the Train parties can be fun and eco-friendly! Simple swaps can reduce waste and make your party more environmentally friendly. Here are some ideas to consider:
Decorations
Regarding decorations, it’s essential to avoid single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials. Choose reusable decorations that you can use multiple times instead of disposable ones. Here are some ideas:
- Cloth tablecloths: Instead of using disposable paper or plastic tablecloths, invest in a cloth tablecloth that can be washed and reused for future parties.
- Natural decorations: Instead of plastic balloons and streamers, consider using natural decorations like flowers or branches to create a rustic and eco-friendly atmosphere.
- Recyclable banners: To create a backdrop for your party, consider making a banner from recyclable materials like cardboard or paper. Personalize it with your child’s name and favorite Thomas the Train characters.
Food and Drinks
Food and drinks are other areas where you can make eco-friendly choices. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Organic and local snacks: When choosing snacks and treats, look for organic and locally sourced options. This reduces the environmental impact of transporting food long distances and supports local farmers.
- Opt for reusable plates and utensils you can wash and reuse instead of using disposable ones. If you don’t have enough plates and utensils, consider borrowing from friends or renting them.
- Water bottles: Rather than offering juice boxes, consider providing reusable water bottles for the children to use. You can customize the bottles with stickers or labels featuring Thomas and his friends.
Games and Activities
When planning games and activities, choose options that don’t generate waste or require disposable materials. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Train-themed nature scavenger hunt: Instead of hiding toys and treats around the party space, consider organizing a nature scavenger hunt in your backyard or a nearby park. Give each child a list of items to find, such as leaves, flowers, and stones, and see who can find them all the fastest.
- DIY train crafts: Rather than buying pre-made ships, consider organizing a DIY crafting station where children can create train-themed projects. You could provide materials like recycled cardboard boxes, paint, and markers.
- Train ride to a local park or attraction: If your child loves trains, consider taking them on a train ride to a local park or attraction. This reduces the environmental impact of driving and gives the children a fun and educational experience.
By incorporating these eco-friendly ideas into your Thomas the Train party, you can reduce waste, support local businesses, and create a memorable experience for your child and their friends.
Summary
In conclusion, the changes made to the Thomas wooden railroad line have been positive. The tracks are back to a universal fit. Fisher-Price has done an excellent job designing and producing high-quality and functional destinations like Tidmouth Sheds and Knapford Station. The change in manufacturing to Indonesia has also resulted in a higher quality product. Fisher-Price’s steps towards sustainable production with FSC wood and packaging are commendable. However, the build-your-own-train set with each piece can get expensive, and the age recommendations for the engines and the rest of the line can confuse consumers. Overall, Fisher-Price has done an excellent job with their new Thomas and Friends wooden railway line updates. You will love any of my Best Thomas & Friends Railroad Sets.
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